Film Review: ‘Blackfish’ Emphasizes Folly of Animal Captivity

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CHICAGO – We see the public service ads often – dogs and cats in captivity after neglect and abuse. The images parade by, and the sadness in their expressions are heartbreaking. The same can be said for killer whales in captivity, used for SeaWorld shows and exploited in “Blackfish.”

Rating: 4.0/5.0

The title refers to the seafarer’s nickname for these beautiful creatures. The killer whale was first captured for use in water shows over forty years ago. In the documentary “Blackfish,” director Gabriela Cowperthwaite uncovers the scandal in this exploitation, as a particular male killer whale has been implicit in three “accidental” deaths in association with the water shows in its 30 year career. Doesn’t the word “killer” tip anyone off these days? Besides the cover-up by the corporate forces behind these water shows, the documentary provides ample evidence that human beings display extraordinary hubris in their so-called “training” and captivity of the animals for entertainment acts.

The film begins with the story of Dawn Brancheau, a well-loved and seasoned veteran whale performer of SeaWorld Orlando. On February 24th, 2010, she was doing an act with a male named Tilikum, when she was dragged into the water by the whale and killed. The officials at the park blamed Blancheau’s pony tail, which they opined became distracted the mammal.

This unusual event prompted an investigation, which drew filmmaker Gabriela Cowperthwaite into the story. What began as a philosophical treatise regarding the relationship between humans and animals – through the work of the trainers with the whales – became a Woodward-and-Bernstein style exposure of two other deaths associated with the same killer whale. Tilikum’s conditions, and the circumstances of his life as a performer, are the basis for this exposé.

Continue reading for Patrick McDonald’s full review of “Blackfish”

The Killer Whale Named Tilikum Performing in ‘Blackfish’ Photo credit: Magnolia Pictures

Continue reading for Patrick McDonald’s full review of “Blackfish”